PARENTING IS HARD WORK... WE CAN HELP! Proactive Parenting Initiative for "At-Risk" Kids

Are you struggling with your defiant child? Have all of your 'tried and true' methods of parenting failed? If you're like most parents, you've probably had more than a few moments when you wondered what in the world happened to that sweet loving child that would sit in your lap and dote on every word you said.

Kids change. At some point in their lives they change and as a parent, you're often left wondering what happened. The once sweet and loving child has become defiant and difficult to deal with. They may be exhibiting behaviors that are troubling for you as a parent. No parent wants their child to experience the heartaches that can occur when they're experimenting with drugs or getting in trouble with law enforcement. So many influences outside the home can lead to situations that can be life threatening for your children and as a parent, if you 're feeling like nothing you've tried is working, then maybe you should take a look at PPI.

The Proactive Parenting Initiative is designed to help. Their motto is "Saving kids... One parent at a time." Jamie Murphy, founder of PPI, says, "Our parenting program utilizes a nationally acclaimed, proven and tried, practical parenting curriculum that helps parents prepare their children to become productive, young adults. Our mission is to educate, motivate, and inspire parents to be the best that they can be for the sake of their children. We are not here to put anyone down. We are here to empower, encourage, and uplift... PPI, strongly believes that change within the home begins with mom and dad. PPI's certified facilitators teach the Parent Project's 10-week parenting program, Changing Destructive Adolescent Behavior."

"We teach parents how to be successful in changing ANY unwanted behaviors in their child. Our classes are taught in small classroom settings and our instructors speak in real language through personal experience"

The ten week course is often followed with a weekend at Camp TEASPOT which is an acronym for Take Everything Away (for a) Short Period Of Time. Held locally at Camp McDaniel here in Rutherford County, Camp TEASPOT is attended by the child and their parent from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon. Denied all the conveniences of home, it's what Pastor Murphy refers to as "time-out on steroids." He goes on to say "We teach them what it's like to go without their privileges. They hear from folks that have had similar experiences and had to live with the consequences of their decisions. We also give them a clear presentation of the gospel... It's our goal to see hearts change at our camp, to see the kids develop a respect for God, authority, their parents, and themselves.

Does it work? According to parents who've recently completed the program, it does. "The class helped me understand that my children need just as much praise as they need discipline, there has to be a balance in this... I believe this class could be very helpful for other parents and a very useful tool in dealing with the everyday struggles of children." Another parent shares "It took 10 weeks to complete 16 chapters. The classes were 2 hours long, but were so interesting the time just seem to fly by. I have recommended this class to several of my friends and family" According to their website PPI will help you, 1. Learn how to never argue with your child again, 2. Improve your child's school attendance and performance, 3. Prevent or intervene in your child's alcohol or drug use, 4. Keep your child away from gangs, 5. Stop any unwanted or destructive behaviors in your child, and 6. Create a more peaceful home environment for your family.

If you, or someone you know, is struggling to deal with a defiant child, then please contact Pastor Jamie Murphy at 864-320-4844 or visit their website, www.proactiveparents.org.

The course is being offered here locally at Bethany Baptist Church in Forest City. The calendar for upcoming start dates and details about the program are published on the website.